Diagnosis of Depression

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may also do a mental health evaluation and search for physical causes of
depression. These findings will be used to make the diagnosis. There is no blood test or specific diagnostic test for depression.

Depression is usually diagnosed based on the duration (2 weeks or more), frequency (almost daily), number (5 or more), and nature of your symptoms. Information will be gathered on the following:

When the symptoms started

What the triggering events are

How severe the symptoms are

How symptoms affect your daily activities

Whether you also have chronic pain

Whether you have had these symptoms before and, if so, whether the symptoms were treated and what treatment was given

Thoughts of death or suicide

Family members who have or have had depression

Sleep patterns

Physical exam—Your doctor will give you a thorough physical exam. Certain medications, as well as some conditions, can cause the same symptoms as depression. Your doctor can rule out these possibilities through a physical exam, interview, and lab tests. The physical exam may include a mental status exam to determine if your speech, thought patterns, or memory have been affected. This may indicate a neurological cause of depression.

Psychological evaluation—A psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or mental health counselor can give you a psychological exam. You may take a special screening test for depression, such as the Beck Depression Inventory or the Hamilton Rating Scale. These tests have limitations however, and must be interpreted in the context of your symptoms and personal situation.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.